Country schools needed fixing. The government sent money. Police say some adults faked the work and stole the cash instead.
The Mpumalanga Department of Education budgeted roughly R114 million for emergency repairs at 21 rural schools. Hawks investigators say officials and contractors inflated prices, billed for ghost work and split proceeds. A former acting HOD, acting CFO and dozens of suppliers were rounded up in a four-province takedown in February 2026 — totals in headlines ranged from about 20 to 36 suspects as operations widened.
Expenditure figures linked to the story: Mpumalanga R114 Million School Maintenance Tender Fraud
R114m
Hawks briefing figure for allegedly diverted maintenance funds across the 21-school emergency programme.
Police say about R114 million meant for fixing schools was stolen.
It is a crime to give, offer, receive or accept any kind of reward to make someone do their job dishonestly — whether you are in government or in business.
This story touches 2 Acts of Parliament. These are the rules that were supposed to be followed — by police, prosecutors, ministers, and civil servants. When those rules aren't followed, ordinary people pay the price: crimes go uninvestigated, public money goes missing, and trust breaks down. The Record tracks every step so accountability has a paper trail.
Public Finance Management Act· Act 1 of 1999
Section Section 86
Fruitless expenditure where invoices lacked underlying delivery.
Accounting officers must prevent waste and losses; personal liability can follow where duties are breached.
Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act· Act 12 of 2004
Section Section 3
Bribery / gratification on procurement approvals.
It is a crime to give, offer, receive or accept any kind of reward to make someone do their job dishonestly — whether you are in government or in business.
This story touches 2 Acts of Parliament. These are the rules that were supposed to be followed — by police, prosecutors, ministers, and civil servants. When those rules aren't followed, ordinary people pay the price: crimes go uninvestigated, public money goes missing, and trust breaks down. The Record tracks every step so accountability has a paper trail.